The holiday season is an opportunity for reflection, cheer and giving.
Traditionally, it is also a time for companies to send a gift basket of food or trinkets to valued customers.
This year, the Walbridge team decided to use the money instead to help a friend in need: Detroit Cristo Rey High School. The college-preparatory school focuses on students from economically disadvantaged families and provides them with exceptional course-work and a work-study program.
On Friday, Dec. 1, a team of Walbridge employees kicked off the “12 Days of Giving” by serving a school-wide breakfast to more than 350 students and teachers at Cristo Rey. The breakfast was made possible through Walbridge’s donation.
Throughout the rest of the month, Walbridge will highlight various items purchased by the school, thanks to the donation.
“We want to help students who are just deciding what to do with their careers – we want to help them grow into the next generation of leaders,” Dave Robson, Walbridge Vice President of Business Development, said.
Students from Cristo Rey have participated in a work-study program Walbridge for several years, helping in various capacities as they learn about business, develop skills and prepare for college and their careers.
“Just recently a visitor spent over an hour chatting with Detroit Cristo Rey students about their education. As she left she said, “This school is changing lives,” Detroit Cristo Rey President Michael Khoury said. “We are only able to help our students build a bright future because organizations like Walbridge step up. The 12 Days of Giving is a wonderful example of their commitment to our students and school. We are incredibly grateful.”
One of Walbridge’s core values is to “Recognize that we have a responsibility to the environment, the community and other stakeholders.”
“This is a testament to our exceptional partners and clients,” Robson said. “We are thankful that they put their trust in us and we’re grateful for the opportunity to give back to a great school such as Cristo Rey.”